REPORT: Bears trying to trade up in 2nd round

The Chicago Bears traded their second-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for WR Chase Claypool at the 2022 NFL trade deadline. It was a logical trade at the time. GM Ryan Poles made a power move to assist QB Justin Fields, who was beginning to surge around midseason.

But not all things go according to plan. The Bears’ offense didn’t take the next step with Claypool aboard. In fact, Claypool was a non-factor, and he’ll need to prove in 2023 that he warrants a long-term deal to remain in Chicago beyond next season.

The second-round pick the Chicago Bears traded to Pittsburgh ended up being a valuable one. With the Miami Dolphins forfeiting their first-round pick and the Bears finishing the season with the No. 1 selection, that second-rounder became No. 32 overall. Essentially, Chicago dealt a traditional first-round pick for Claypool.

The first round of the 2023 NFL Draft is in the books, and the Bears continued their investment in the offense by selecting offensive tackle Darnell Wright. He’ll slot in at right tackle and provide Fields with more protection. Analysts have applauded the selection.

Chicago Bears could be targeting 3-tech in Round 2

But the first round is over now. Some very good players slid into Day 2, who’d be instant starters and massive upgrades for the Bears.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Chicago may have their eye on one of them. But they may have to work out a trade with the Steelers (again) to get him.

From NFL Draft Kickoff: Could the #Steelers trade No. 32? pic.twitter.com/NsJR9qwjkP

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 28, 2023

It would be quite the turn of events if Poles gets Chicago’s pick back from Pittsburgh. I assume it will cost both of the Bears’ second-rounders (53 and 61). The Bears also have the first pick in the third round, No. 64 overall.

As for who the Chicago Bears could be targeting if they trade up? The best guess is a defensive lineman like Wisconsin’s Keeanu Benton or Northwestern’s Adetomiwa Adebawore. Both prospects had a chance to sneak into the first round, and with the importance placed on the 3-tech in Coach Matt Eberflus’ defense, it makes sense that they’d be in Poles’ crosshairs.

There are a few players on offense who’d make sense, too. Center John Michael Schmitz (Minnesota) profiles as a 10-year starter in the middle of an NFL offensive line. Syracuse offensive lineman Matthew Bergeron is another fringe-first-round prospect who will start at tackle or guard for a long time.

Stay tuned.